I don’t have the answers, about yoga, divorce, dating, losing belly or why are women over 45 losing interest for sex... and I get irritated when I read other people putting themselves out there as self-help gurus, therapists, or doctors. However, I have learned one thing, daily practice of Ashtanga yoga is what counts. I have started practicing yoga in May 2006. At present I am not going to yoga studios I maintain home practice only.

I am 53 years old, male, former basketball player... I cannot sit in a lotus pose, my body is not flexible. Couple years ago, I have torn MCL on the left knee, the right knee is not any better... but regardless of age, flexibility, and injuries, I practice half primary ashtanga yoga almost every day...

I have learned the Primary Series poses by heart and I practice it by myself in my own tempo and without instructions from a teacher.I do that alone at home, my attention is turned out inwards, in the sense of I AM, hence there is a meditative aspect of my daily practice.

The goal of my practice is to do all poses of Primary Series, but this will never happen. Anyway, daily practice is a very good exercise in self-awareness. Where am I today? How far can I go? At what point is my mind shutting down and why? Can I do one more pose? Is it enough for today?

The daily result of Ashtanga yoga is realizing what I can do or what I cannot (yet) do. It helps me find where my strengths lie and what my weaknesses are. In this practice, I learn about myself and this develops my awareness.

I stay away from teachers who push me to things I am not ready for. And I stay away from my lazy ego that tells me I should not go on the mat. I practice what I can and that is enough...